Giselle is facing forward and smiling. She has long brown hair and wears a black shirt with a gray jacket.
Giselle Villeda

2023, B.F.A., Interior Design
Interior Designer at GBD Architects, Portland, Oregon
LinkedIn: Giselle Villeda

Would you tell us a bit about yourself?
As a first-generation college student from an immigrant family, my path to becoming a designer has been shaped by perseverance and a genuine desire to create spaces that are meaningful and inclusive for all. I specialize in designing user-centered environments, particularly in commercial interiors, with a commitment to sustainability, advocacy, and mentorship. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with talented interdisciplinary teams and contribute to projects from the proposal stage through creating construction documents.
 
My approach as a designer goes beyond creating functional spaces; I aim to design environments that inspire and connect with people, while always prioritizing sustainability. Mentorship is especially important to me, as I’m committed to paying forward the support I’ve received from colleagues and past professors. Through my work, I strive to honor my roots and pave the way for future generations of designers.
 
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a creative professional? Are you happy as a creative professional?
The beauty of architecture and design lies in our ability to influence how people experience and interact with the built environment. Every building and space is filled with purpose, with each detail carefully considered.
 
What I find most rewarding in my work is the opportunity to create human-centered designs that not only engage but also inspire those who experience them. As an emerging professional, while I have yet to see one of my projects fully realized through construction, the design process from concept development to problem-solving during construction documents has provided me with a deeper understanding of the purpose and intent behind every building and design. It also highlights the ongoing commitment within our industry to continually improve and innovate.
 
What have you done in your career where you weren’t sure what the result of the outcome would be?
As an emerging professional, I believe one of the biggest challenges many young professionals face is learning how to advocate for themselves and recognize when it’s time to pivot in their careers. Taking the leap to make a change can be daunting, but sometimes, the fear of making the wrong choice can hinder growth and prevent us from demanding more for ourselves and our careers. Recently, I took a leap of faith by relocating from Dallas, Texas, to Portland, Oregon.
 
Since arriving, I have been welcomed into the design community here and have found a firm that aligns with my personal values of architecture and design. This experience has reinforced the importance of taking risks, embracing change, and trusting in the journey.
 
Did you participate in an internship or apprenticeship while you were in college? What lessons did you learn there that have proven helpful in your career?
I had the privilege to intern at Corgan, an architecture and design firm during my senior year of college. I had the opportunity to work alongside talented designers from whom I learned a great deal. The skills I developed during that time continue to inform my work today. The experience taught me how to collaborate effectively with a team and how think like a designer.
 
My advice for students looking for internships is to actively explore opportunities and put yourself out there. The internship allowed me to apply what I learned in class to real world scenarios. Gaining experience while still in school was one of the best decisions I made to set myself up for success after graduation.